ShopperTrak: Holiday sales up 2.7 pct

By Joan Verdon

Staff Writer |

Wire Service

ShopperTrak, the Chicago-based research firm that monitors sales and store traffic, reported today that holiday sales increased 2.7 percent in November and December, the smallest increase it has clocked since 2009. The increase is slightly better than the 2.4 percent rise the firm had forecast.

Holiday sales increased 3.8 percent to $601.8 billion in November and December, the National Retail Federation reported today, nearly meeting the trade group's expectations for the holiday season.

The six fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas hurt retailers this year, as the number of shoppers in stores during the two holiday months fell by 14.6 percent.

ShopperTrak estimates that consumers spent $265.9 billion. While the 2.7 percent gain beat the ShopperTrak forecast, it is weak compared to the past three years, when the firm clocked the increase at 3 percent or more year each year. In 2009 sales declined 1.9 percent.

ShopperTrak calculates sales and traffic data using devices in stores and receipts, and its results generally reflect mall-based retailers. Other holiday spending reports are estimating different percentage increases because they use different bases. The National Retail Federation is forecasting a 3.9 percent increase for the holiday season, and is expected to release its final numbers in the middle of this month.

ShopperTrak: Holiday sales up 2.7 pct

Holiday sales increased 3.8 percent to $601.8 billion in November and December, the National Retail Federation reported today, nearly meeting the trade group's expectations for the holiday season.

By Joan Verdon

Staff Writer |

Wire Service

ShopperTrak, the Chicago-based research firm that monitors sales and store traffic, reported today that holiday sales increased 2.7 percent in November and December, the smallest increase it has clocked since 2009. The increase is slightly better than the 2.4 percent rise the firm had forecast.

The six fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas hurt retailers this year, as the number of shoppers in stores during the two holiday months fell by 14.6 percent.

ShopperTrak estimates that consumers spent $265.9 billion. While the 2.7 percent gain beat the ShopperTrak forecast, it is weak compared to the past three years, when the firm clocked the increase at 3 percent or more year each year. In 2009 sales declined 1.9 percent.

ShopperTrak calculates sales and traffic data using devices in stores and receipts, and its results generally reflect mall-based retailers. Other holiday spending reports are estimating different percentage increases because they use different bases. The National Retail Federation is forecasting a 3.9 percent increase for the holiday season, and is expected to release its final numbers in the middle of this month.